Watch The Member of the Wedding

The Member of the Wedding is a touching drama film from 1997, starring Anna Paquin, Alfre Woodard, and Corey Dunn. The movie is directed by Fred Carpenter and based on Carson McCullers' famous novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Frankie Addams (Anna Paquin), a young girl who is trying to find her place in the world. Frankie lives in a small town in the southern USA and feels trapped and suffocated by her surroundings. She is convinced that she doesn't fit in and that she is meant for something greater, but she doesn't know what that is.

As her twelfth birthday approaches, Frankie becomes increasingly obsessed with the upcoming wedding of her older brother, Jarvis (Corey Dunn) and his fiancé Janice (Leigh Williams). Frankie believes that by joining the wedding as a member, she will finally become a part of something bigger than herself. She also sees it as an opportunity to prove to herself and to others that she is not a child anymore and that she can handle the responsibilities that come with being an adult.

Frankie's mother died when she was young, and her father is distant and uninvolved in her life. This lack of familial support and love only intensifies Frankie's feelings of loneliness and isolation. Her only real friend is the family's African American housekeeper, Berenice Sadie Brown (Alfre Woodard). Berenice is a warm and nurturing presence in Frankie's life, and she offers her guidance and support when no one else will.

As the day of the wedding approaches, Frankie becomes increasingly erratic and unstable. She tries to assert her independence and prove her maturity, but her actions only lead to disappointment and heartache. Through her journey, Frankie learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of family, even in unconventional forms.

The Member of the Wedding is a beautifully crafted film that explores themes of identity, belonging, and coming of age. The film is set in the 1940s, and the period detail is impeccable. The costumes, the sets, and the cinematography all work together to create an immersive and authentic world that draws the viewer in.

Anna Paquin delivers a stunning performance as Frankie, embodying the character's frustration, anger, and vulnerability with honesty and conviction. Alfre Woodard is equally impressive as Berenice, bringing a depth and nuance to the character that elevates her beyond the typical "sassy black woman" stereotype.

Overall, The Member of the Wedding is a poignant and powerful film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Its timeless themes and universal truths make it a classic coming of age story that stands the test of time.

The Member of the Wedding is a 1997 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.